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  1. Nagendrababu V, Murray PE, Ordinola-Zapata R, Peters OA, Rôças IN, Siqueira JF, et al.
    Int Endod J, 2019 Aug;52(8):1090-1095.
    PMID: 30908638 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13123
    Laboratory-based research studies are the most common form of research endeavour and make up the majority of manuscripts that are submitted for publication in the field of Endodontology. The scientific information derived from laboratory studies can be used to design a wide range of subsequent studies and clinical trials and may have translational potential to benefit clinical practice. Unfortunately, the majority of laboratory-based articles submitted for publication fail the peer-review step, because unacceptable flaws or substantial limitations are identified. Even when apparently well-conducted laboratory-based articles are peer-reviewed, they can often require substantial corrections prior to the publication. It is apparent that some authors and reviewers may lack the training and experience to have developed a systematic approach to evaluate the quality of laboratory studies. Occasionally, even accepted manuscripts contain limitations that may compromise interpretation of data. To help authors avoid manuscript rejection and correction pitfalls, and to aid editors/reviewers to evaluate manuscripts systematically, the purpose of this project is to establish and publish quality guidelines for authors to report laboratory studies in the field of Endodontology so that the highest standards are achieved. The new guidelines will be named-'Preferred Reporting Items for Laboratory studies in Endodontology' (PRILE). A steering committee was assembled by the project leads to develop the guidelines through a five-phase consensus process. The committee will identify new items as well as review and adapt items from existing guidelines. The items forming the draft guidelines will be reviewed and refined by a PRILE Delphi Group (PDG). The items will be evaluated by the PDG on a nine-point Likert scale for relevance and inclusion. The agreed items will then be discussed by a PRILE face-to-face consensus meeting group (PFCMG) formed by 20 individuals to further refine the guidelines. This will be subject to final approval by the steering committee. The approved PRILE guidelines will be disseminated through publication in relevant journals, presented at congresses/meetings, and be freely available on a dedicated website. Feedback and comments will be solicited from researchers, editors and peer reviewers, who are invited to contact the steering committee with comments to help them update the guidelines periodically.
  2. Pulikkotil SJ, Nath S, Muthukumaraswamy, Dharamarajan L, Jing KT, Vaithilingam RD
    Community Dent Health, 2020 Feb 27;37(1):12-21.
    PMID: 32031339 DOI: 10.1922/CDH_4569Pulikkotil10
    OBJECTIVE: To determine whether alcohol consumption is associated with the risk of periodontitis.

    BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

    METHOD: PubMed and Scopus were searched for eligible articles published in English from inception till November 2018. The quality of studies was assessed by the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the risk of periodontitis associated with highest versus lowest/non-alcohol in a random effects meta-analysis model. Heterogeneity and sensitivity were investigated in meta regression analysis. A funnel plot was used to assess publication bias.

    RESULTS: Twenty-nine observational studies were included. One study with two separate datasets was considered as two separate studies for analysis. Alcohol consumption was significantly associated with the presence of periodontitis (OR = 1.26, 95% CI= 1.11-1.41). Significant heterogeneity (I2=71%) was present in the overall analysis, primarily attributable to sampling cross-sectional studies (I2=76.6%). A funnel plot and Egger tests (p=0.0001) suggested the presence of publication bias.

    CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption was associated with increased occurrence of periodontitis and should be considered as a parameter in periodontal risk assessment. Publication bias should be explored in future studies.

  3. Nagendrababu V, Aly Ahmed HM, Pulikkotil SJ, Veettil SK, Dharmarajan L, Setzer FC
    J Endod, 2019 Oct;45(10):1175-1183.e3.
    PMID: 31551112 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2019.06.008
    INTRODUCTION: This systematic review compared the anesthetic efficacy between Gow-Gates (GG), Vazirani-Akinosi (VA), and mental incisive (MI) nerve blocks (NBs) with inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANBs) in mandibular teeth with irreversible pulpitis using meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA).

    METHODS: Studies were identified from 4 electronic databases up to June 2019. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the anesthetic success rate of GG, VA, and MI NBs with IANBs in mandibular premolars and molars with irreversible pulpitis were included. The quality of selected RCTs was appraised using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. Random-effects meta-analyses of risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and random errors were evaluated by TSA. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

    RESULTS: Five RCTs were included; 2 of them were classified as low risk of bias. No significant difference was observed in the anesthesia success rate compared between GG and IA NBs (RR = 1.10; 95% CI, 0.82-1.48; I2 = 0%). Similarly, no difference was evident between MINB and IANB (RR = 1.15; 95% CI, 0.97-1.36; I2 = 0%). Overall, the cumulative success rates for the 3 anesthetic techniques were low. TSA showed a lack of firm evidence for the results of the meta-analysis between GG NB and IANB. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach evaluation showed that the evidence was of moderate quality for GG NB and IANB compared with low quality for MI and IA NBs. Because only 1 study was available comparing VA NB and IANB, a meta-analysis was not performed. The adverse effect associated with MI NB was swelling, whereas it was prolonged numbness for IANB.

    CONCLUSIONS: GG NB and IANB showed similar anesthetic efficacy compared with IANB in mandibular teeth with irreversible pulpitis. However, the success rates for each technique indicate the need for supplemental anesthesia. Further well-designed RCTs evaluating different anesthetic techniques with and without supplemental injection are required to provide stronger evidence.

  4. Nagendrababu V, Segura-Egea JJ, Fouad AF, Pulikkotil SJ, Dummer PMH
    Int Endod J, 2020 Apr;53(4):455-466.
    PMID: 31721243 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13253
    BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder amongst dental patients. The association between the diabetes and the outcome of root canal treatment is unclear.

    AIM: To conduct an umbrella review to determine whether there is an association between diabetes and the outcome of root canal treatment.

    DATA SOURCE: The protocol of the review was developed and registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019141684). Four electronic databases (PubMed, EBSCHOhost, Cochrane and Scopus databases) were used to perform a literature search until July 2019.

    STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses published in English assessing any outcomes of root canal treatment comparing diabetic and nondiabetic patients were included. Two reviewers were involved independently in study selection, data extraction and appraising the reviews that were included. Disagreements were resolved with the help of a third reviewer.

    STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: The quality of the reviews was assessed using the AMSTAR tool (A measurement tool to assess systematic reviews), with 11 items. Each AMSTAR item was given a score of 1 if the criterion was met, or 0 if the criterion was not met or the information was unclear.

    RESULTS: Four systematic reviews were included. The AMSTAR score for the reviews ranged from 5 to 7, out of a maximum score of 11, and all the systematic reviews were classified as 'medium' quality.

    LIMITATIONS: Only two systematic reviews included a meta-analysis. Only systematic reviews published in English were included.

    CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS: Diabetes mellitus is associated with the outcome of root canal treatment and can be considered as a preoperative prognostic factor.

  5. Gopinath VK, Pulikkotil SJ, Veettil SK, Dharmarajan L, Prakash PSG, Dhar V, et al.
    J Evid Based Dent Pract, 2022 Dec;22(4):101770.
    PMID: 36494111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2022.101770
    OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of pulpotomies in primary molars using bioactive endodontic materials and ferric sulfate.

    DESIGN: The search was conducted in PubMed, Ebscohost, ProQuest, and Scopus databases till June 2021. Children undergoing pulpotomy therapy in primary molars treated with ferric sulfate (FS) and bioactive endodontic materials were evaluated for clinical and radiographic success. Meta-analysis was performed on a random-effects model to assess the success at 6,12,18, and 24 months. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and FS at 24 months for both clinical [RR0.98 (95%CI 0.15,6.34), I2 = 0%] and radiographic [RR0.74 (95%CI: 0.23,2.43), I2 = 0%] success. At 6 months [RR1.36 (95%CI: 0.10,19.34), I2 = 33%], no difference was observed in the clinical [RR1.00 (95%CI: 0.95,1.05), I2 = 0%] and radiographic success [RR0.99 (95%CI: 0.88,1.11), I2 = 51%] between Biodentine (BD), FS and radiographic success of calcium enriched cement and FS [RR0.25 (95%CI: 0.03, 2.22), I2 = 0%].

    CONCLUSION: Amongst bioactive materials, MTA and FS demonstrated equal success rates in both clinical and radiographic outcomes with follow-up periods of up to 24 months. Future, high-quality trials are required to verify the result of the current review.

  6. Nagendrababu V, Abbott PV, Pulikkotil SJ, Veettil SK, Dummer PMH
    Int Endod J, 2021 Mar;54(3):331-342.
    PMID: 33040335 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13428
    BACKGROUND: The scientific literature is contradictory in relation to selecting the appropriate volume of local anaesthetic solution for inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) when attempting to anaesthetize mandibular teeth with irreversible pulpitis.

    OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of 1.8 and 3.6 mL of the same anaesthetic solution for IANBs when treating mandibular teeth with irreversible pulpitis.

    METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and EBSCOhost databases until May 2020. Randomized clinical trials published in English, comparing 1.8 with 3.6 mL of the same anaesthetic solution for IANBs in permanent mandibular teeth with irreversible pulpitis, were included. The risk of bias of the included trials was appraised using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. The effect of random errors on the results of the meta-analysis was evaluated by trial sequential analysis and the quality of evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

    RESULTS: Four clinical trials involving 280 teeth from patients with ages ranging from 18 to 65 years were included. Among the four trials, three were categorized as having a 'low' risk of bias and one was categorized as having 'some concerns'. The primary meta-analysis revealed that 3.6 mL of anaesthetic solution when administered for IANBs was associated with significantly greater success rates compared with 1.8 mL (RR = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.07, 3.52; I2  = 77%). Similarly, the results of the sensitivity analysis (restricting trials only to those that used the Heft-Parker visual analogue pain scale) revealed that the use of 3.6 mL significantly increased the success of IANBs compared with 1.8 mL. The trial sequential analysis confirmed the evidence for the beneficial effect of 3.6 mL to achieve success for IANBs was 'conclusive'. The quality of evidence was graded as 'high'.

    CONCLUSION: Increasing the volume of anaesthetic solution from 1.8 to 3.6 mL improved the success rate for IANBs in mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis. The quality of the evidence was 'high'. Future high-quality clinical trials are required with different types of anaesthetic solutions and other types of teeth.

  7. Jayaraman J, Nagendrababu V, Pulikkotil SJ, Innes NP
    Int J Paediatr Dent, 2018 Nov;28(6):548-560.
    PMID: 30070003 DOI: 10.1111/ipd.12414
    OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the methodological quality of Systematic Reviews (SRs) and Meta-Analyses (MA) published in Paediatric Dentistry journals and to analyse the relationship between the authors, journals, country, review topic, and the year of publication to the methodological quality of SRs and MA.

    DESIGN: Paediatric Dentistry journals ranked in the top five of the h5 index of Google Scholar Metrics were selected. SRs with MA were searched independently by two reviewers using PubMed and Scopus databases until December 2017. Methodological quality was assessed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool. Statistical significance was set at P 

  8. Pulikkotil SJ, Nath S, Ramachandran V
    Community Dent Health, 2020 Feb 27;37(1):26-31.
    PMID: 32031346 DOI: 10.1922/CDH_4632Pulikkotil06
    OBJECTIVES: Identify the determinants of periodontitis in a rural Indian population aged 35-44 years.

    BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Case-control clinical and questionnaire study in a cluster sample of 50 villages.

    METHODS: A total of 3000 persons were screened for the presence of periodontitis using the CDC case definition in full mouth examination. Equal numbers of cases (604 persons with periodontitis) and controls (604 without periodontitis) were recruited and interviewed with a piloted questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analysis estimated crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) respectively with 95% confidence limits.

    RESULTS: Six factors were determined by multivariate analysis to predict periodontitis: education less than or equal to twelve years of schooling (aOR=2.51, 95% CI=1.18-5.34), alcohol consumption (aOR= 1.7, 95% CI=1.16-2.49), consuming a non-vegetarian diet (aOR=1.38, 95% CI=1.08-1.76), not drinking milk (aOR=1.7, 95% CI= 1.29-2.24), not using a toothbrush for cleaning of teeth (aOR=2.98, 95% CI =1.71-5.21) and not cleaning teeth at least once a day (aOR=2.13, 95% CI=1.58-2.87).

    CONCLUSION: Risk factors for periodontitis in a rural Indian population were identified. Further studies should validate these findings and appropriate recommendations should be developed to decrease the prevalence and burden of periodontitis in this population.

  9. Nagendrababu V, Pulikkotil SJ, Veettil SK, Teerawattanapong N, Setzer FC
    J Endod, 2018 Jun;44(6):914-922.e2.
    PMID: 29709297 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2018.02.017
    INTRODUCTION: Successful anesthesia with an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is imperative for treating patients with irreversible pulpitis in mandibular teeth. This systematic review assessed the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as oral premedications on the success of IANBs in irreversible pulpitis.

    METHODS: Three databases were searched to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up until September 2017. Retrieved RCTs were evaluated using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The primary efficacy outcome of interest was the success rate of IANB anesthesia. Meta-analytic estimates (risk ratio [RR] with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) performed using a random effects model and publication bias determined using funnel plot analysis were assessed. Random errors were evaluated with trial sequential analyses, and the quality of evidence was appraised using a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

    RESULTS: Thirteen RCTs (N = 1034) were included. Eight studies had low risk of bias. Statistical analysis of good-quality RCTs showed a significant beneficial effect of any NSAID in increasing the anesthetic success of IANBs compared with placebo (RR = 1.92; 95% CI, 1.55-2.38). Subgroup analyses showed a similar beneficial effect for ibuprofen, diclofenac, and ketorolac (RR = 1.83 [95% CI, 1.43-2.35], RR = 2.56 [95% CI, 1.46-4.50], and RR = 2.07 [95% CI, 1.47-2.90], respectively). Dose-dependent ibuprofen >400 mg/d (RR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.39-2.45) was shown to be effective; however, ibuprofen ≤400 mg/d showed no association (RR = 1.78; 95% CI, 0.90-3.55). TSA confirmed conclusive evidence for a beneficial effect of NSAIDs for IANB premedication. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach did not reveal any concerns regarding the quality of the results.

    CONCLUSIONS: Oral premedication with NSAIDs and ibuprofen (>400 mg/d) increased the anesthetic success of IANBs in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

  10. Nath S, Prakash J, Prajapati VK, Sharma N, Pulikkotil SJ
    Indian J Dent Res, 2020 8 10;31(3):433-438.
    PMID: 32769279 DOI: 10.4103/ijdr.IJDR_783_17
    Introduction: Bidi, a leaf rolled cigarette, is the most popular form of smoking in India. Bidi cigarette contains higher tar, ammonia, and nicotine content than a conventional cigarette and is more hazardous.

    Aim of Study: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of bidi smoking on periodontitis by assessing the interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 from a gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

    Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients were selected, which included 40 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (20 bidi smokers and 20 non-bidi smokers) and 20 periodontal healthy controls. Diseased and healthy sites were selected from each of the chronic periodontitis subjects. Clinical parameters assessed were plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), periodontal probing depth (PPD), recession (RC), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Pooled GCF samples were taken from the same site and analyzed for IL-1β and IL-8 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

    Results: Bidi smokers displayed decreased levels of IL-1β and IL-8 than non-bidi smokers for both healthy and diseased sites and significantly reduced IL-8 levels among bidi smokers when compared to controls. Among bidi smokers, the diseased site had significantly higher levels of IL-8 than the healthy site. Non-smoker subjects with chronic periodontitis especially diseased sites contained significantly higher amounts of IL-1β and IL-8 than smokers and controls. The PI scores were highest among bidi smokers with reduced BOP and GI scores.

    Conclusions: Bidi smoking influenced the cytokine profile among periodontitis patients exhibiting decreased levels of IL-1β and IL-8.

  11. Keong JY, Low LW, Chong JM, Ong YY, Pulikkotil SJ, Singh G, et al.
    Saudi Dent J, 2020 Mar;32(3):148-154.
    PMID: 32180672 DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2019.08.001
    PURPOSE: Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have considerable potential for use as a means of achieving periodontal regeneration due to their noteworthy proliferative properties and secretory functions. In particular, PDLSCs secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which enhances angiogenesis and osteogenesis. The resulting repair and development of blood vessels and hard tissues which would occur in the presence of these cells could be central to an effective periodontal regeneration procedure.The bacterial biofilm of tooth surface related to the periodontium might provide either an inhibition or a stimulus to different factors involved in a regenerative process. Cell culture experiments have been investigated in vitro by adding lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the culture medium but the effect of various concentration of LPS in these circumstances has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of LPS concentrations on proliferation of PDLSCs in vitro and on their secretion of VEGF.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: PDLSCs were treated with 0, 5, 10 and 20 µg/mL of Escherichia coli LPS. At 48 and 96 h, total cell numbers of control and LPS treated PDLSCs were counted by haemocytometer under a microscope. The VEGF concentration in the conditioned media of the PDLSCs was measured by ELISA.

    RESULTS: Rate of cell proliferation of PDLSCs decreased significantly in all LPS treated groups at both 48 h and 96 h except for the group treated with 5 µg/mL of LPS at 48 h. At both 48 and 96 h, VEGF secretion from PDLSCs was reduced significantly at all three LPS concentrations. There was no statistically significant difference in cell proliferation and the amount of VEGF secretion of PDLSCs among the groups treated with different LPS concentrations. No statistically significant change was found in cell proliferation of LPS treated PDLSCs over time, whereas VEGF secretion of PDLSCs was found to have increased significantly with time despite the LPS treatment.

    CONCLUSIONS: LPS reduced cell proliferation and VEGF secretion of PDLSCs, suggesting that periodontal pathogens might reduce the capability of PDLSCs in periodontal regeneration. Yet, LPS treated PDLSCs remained viable and VEGF secretion increased significantly over time. Further research is needed to study the potential use of PDLSCs in periodontal regeneration and the relationship of biofilm LPS accumulations.

  12. Nath S, Pulikkotil SJ, Dharmarajan L, Arunachalam M, Jing KT
    Dent Res J (Isfahan), 2020 08 14;17(4):235-243.
    PMID: 33282148
    Background: Scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of periodontitis may be less effective in some patients. This study evaluated the effectiveness of local doxycycline as an adjunct to SRP among smokers with periodontitis compared to SRP alone in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

    Materials and Methods: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched till November 2018 for English publications. RCTs that compared the effect of local doxycycline adjunct to SRP among smokers with periodontitis were selected. Patient characteristics, disease characteristics, and outcome data on clinical attachment level (CAL) and periodontal probing depth at 1, 3- and 6-month follow-up was extracted. Quality of selected studies was assessed by the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Random effects model and trial sequential analysis were performed. GRADE approach was used to assess the quality of evidence. P > 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

    Results: Five trials were included in the review. Local use of doxycycline as an adjunct to SRP was effective in gain of 1.1 mm (0.47-1.74, P = 0.091) in CAL at 6 months calculated from two studies. The evidence was of low quality, and at least a total of 866 patients are required for conclusiveness.

    Conclusion: Local doxycycline as an adjunct to SRP significantly improved clinical attachment in smokers with periodontitis and can be recommended. Studies are required with long-term follow-up and patient-related outcome data.

  13. Nguyen-Nhon D, Nagendrababu V, Pulikkotil SJ, Rossi-Fedele G
    Aust Endod J, 2020 Aug;46(2):282-294.
    PMID: 31638301 DOI: 10.1111/aej.12380
    The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effect of occlusal reduction on post-operative pain following root canal treatment and was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement being registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42018089941). Two reviewers independently conducted a systematic literature search in the PubMed (MEDLINE), Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source and the Cochrane Library databases. Seven studies were included, of which three were used to perform meta-analysis for 6 days post-operative and the rest for qualitative synthesis. Three studies were assessed as low risk of bias, three as some concern, and one as high risk of bias. Occlusal reduction diminishes the post-operative pain (SMD -1.10 (95%CI -2.06, -0.15) I2  = 96.9%) at 6 days for teeth diagnosed as irreversible pulpitis, and, overall, likely reduces post-operative pain for patients presenting with irreversible pulpitis and/or symptomatic apical periodontitis. Future high-quality clinical trials are needed to better understand the role of occlusal reduction.
  14. Pulikkotil SJ, Nagendrababu V, Veettil SK, Jinatongthai P, Setzer FC
    Int Endod J, 2018 Sep;51(9):989-1004.
    PMID: 29480930 DOI: 10.1111/iej.12912
    This systematic review (SR; PROSPERO database: CRD42017075160) and network meta-analysis (NMA) identified the most effective oral premedication for anaesthetic success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) in cases of irreversible pulpitis. Medline and Ebscohost databases were searched up until 10/2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) studying the effect of oral premedication, alone or in combination, on the success of IANB for cases of irreversible pulpitis, compared to placebo or other oral premedications, were included. Quality of the included studies was appraised by the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. Pairwise analysis, NMA and quality of evidence assessment using GRADE criteria were performed. Nineteen studies (n = 1654 participants) were included. NMA demonstrated that compared to placebo, dexamethasone was most effective in increasing anaesthetic success (RR, 2.92 [95% CI 1.74,4.91]; SUCRA = 0.96), followed by NSAIDs (RR, 1.92 [95% CI 1.63,2.27], SUCRA = 0.738) and Tramadol (RR, 2.03 [95% CI 1.18,3.49], SUCRA = 0.737). Premedication with acetaminophen added to NSAIDs demonstrated similar efficacy as NSAIDs alone (RR, 1.06 [95% CI 0.79,1.43]). Sensitivity analyses proved the superiority of dexamethasone or NSAIDs over any other premedications. Subgroup analyses of specific dosages in comparison with placebo demonstrated that dexamethasone 0.5 mg was most effective, followed by ketorolac 10 mg, piroxicam 20 mg, ibuprofen 400 mg + acetaminophen 500 mg and Tramadol 50 mg. Ibuprofen 400 mg, 600 mg and 800 mg had a significantly improved IANB success, while Ibuprofen 300 mg had no effect. Oral premedication with dexamethasone, NSAIDs or Tramadol significantly increased anaesthetic success. More trials are needed to evaluate the premedication effects of dexamethasone or Tramadol for improved anaesthetic success of IANB when treating irreversible pulpitis.
  15. Pulikkotil SJ, Toh CG, Mohandas K, Leong K
    Aust Dent J, 2016 Dec;61(4):440-445.
    PMID: 26780271 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12409
    BACKGROUND: A randomized split-mouth controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in reducing Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in periodontitis patients.

    METHODS: Twenty patients with periodontitis were recruited for the trial. Following random allocation of either quadrants of the selected jaw to test or control treatment, conventional non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) was performed. In addition, the test side received adjunct photodynamic therapy. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing (BoP) and plaque scores (PS%) were recorded at phase 0 (baseline), phase 1 (immediately after NSPT), phase 2 (7 days following NSPT), phase 3 (1 month following NSPT) and phase 4 (3 months following NSPT). Subgingival plaque samples for quantification of Aa by real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed at phases 0, 1, 2 and 4.

    RESULTS: There was a significant clinical improvement at phases 3 and 4 compared with baseline while BoP reduced significantly only in the test group at phase 4. However, no difference in the quantification of Aa was detected between the groups.

    CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of the study, PDT adjunct to scaling and root planing does not lead to quantitative reduction of Aa in periodontitis patients.

  16. Soh JA, Sheriff SO, Ramar NA, Pulikkotil SJ, Nagendrababu V, Neelakantan P, et al.
    Aust Endod J, 2019 Aug;45(2):171-176.
    PMID: 30230109 DOI: 10.1111/aej.12303
    In endodontic infections, inflammatory mediators such as cytokines are released, recruited and retained until the infection is eradicated. Root canal therapy is performed to prevent the spread of infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of root canal debridement (cleaning and shaping) on periapical inflammation by measuring the levels of inflammatory cytokines, Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10). The study includes twenty patients with pulp necrosis and asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Periradicular sample was collected using paper points before and after root canal debridement. Cytokine levels were determined by Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Data were analysed using paired t-test (PASW Statistics 18) (P = 0.05). All samples showed the presence of IL-8 and IL-10 prior to root canal debridement. Significantly reduced levels (P < 0.05) of IL-8 and IL-10 were detected after root canal debridement. In conclusion, root canal debridement significantly decreased the levels of the tested pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine in the periradicular interstitial fluid.
  17. Pandey V, Salam SA, Moda A, Agarwal P, Nath S, Pulikkotil SJ
    Dent Res J (Isfahan), 2015 11 26;12(5):461-8.
    PMID: 26604961
    BACKGROUND: Use of smokeless tobacco in the form of moist snuff placed in the oral cavity is popular in rural India. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to determine the effect of snuff on periodontitis by assessing interleukin (IL)-1 β and IL-8 levels in gingival crevicular fluid.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 subjects were selected for this study. 40 subjects presented with periodontitis, which included 20 snuff users (SP) and 20 nonsnuff users (NS). 20 periodontally healthy patients formed the controls (healthy control: HC). The clinical parameters recorded were gingival index (GI), plaque index, calculus index, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), recession (RC), and clinical attachment level (CAL). The IL-1 β and IL-8 levels were assessed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Quantikine(®)). Analysis of variance (ANOVA), post-hoc Tukey's, Kruskal-Walli's ANOVA and Mann-Whitney test was used for comparison among groups and P > 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

    RESULTS: No significant difference was seen in levels of IL-1 β and IL-8 between SP and NS groups (P = 0.16, 0.97). However, both the periodontitis groups (SP and NS) had increased IL-β levels when compared to HC group (P = 0.01, 0.001). The snuff users showed significant increase in GI, BOP, RC, and CAL when compared with NS (P = 0.002, 0.001, 0.012, 0.002) whereas NS group had significant increase in PD (P = 0.003).

    CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, use of snuff does not affect the host inflammatory response associated with periodontitis and leads to RC and increased CAL due to local irritant effect.

  18. Pulikkotil SJ, Nath S
    Aust Dent J, 2014 Jun;59(2):156-64.
    PMID: 24861389 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12178
    Fibrin sealant (FS) is a biologically derived tissue adhesive for securing flaps. The aim of the present randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare early wound healing by assessing interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels from gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) after using FS and suture for periodontal flap closure.
  19. Tomson PL, Vilela Bastos J, Jacimovic J, Jakovljevic A, Pulikkotil SJ, Nagendrababu V
    Int Endod J, 2023 Oct;56 Suppl 3:355-369.
    PMID: 36209498 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13844
    BACKGROUND: Pulpitis characterized by spontaneous pain can result in debilitating pain. Dogma has existed to offer only have two treatment options, namely root canal treatment (RCT) or extraction, although pulpotomy has always remained a potential treatment modality.

    OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to answer the following research question: 'Does pulpotomy (partial or full) (I) result in better patient and clinical reported outcomes (O), compared with RCT (C) in permanent teeth with pulpitis characterized by spontaneous pain (P) evaluated at various time intervals?' (T).

    METHODS: Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. The literature search was conducted in the following electronic databases: Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. English language clinical trials comparing the patient and clinical reported outcomes between RCT and pulpotomy were included. The meta-analysis was performed on a fixed-effect model and the quality of evidence assessed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach.

    RESULTS: Two randomized clinical trials were included. Amongst two trials, one has published four reports at different time points involving the same cohorts. The meta-analysis revealed no difference in postoperative pain (Day 7) between RCT and pulpotomy (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.63-1.55, I2  = 0%) and quality of evidence was graded as 'High'. Clinical success was high at year 1, 98% for both interventions, however, decreased over time to 78.1% (pulpotomy) and 75.3% (RCT) at 5 years.

    DISCUSSION: Pulpotomy is a definitive treatment modality that is as effective as RCT. This could have a significant impact on treatment of such patients affording the advantages of retaining a vital pulp and preventing the need for RCT.

    CONCLUSION: This review could only include two trials, hence there is insufficient evidence to draw robust conclusions. The clinical data accumulated so far suggests no difference in pain between RCT and pulpotomy at Day 7 postoperatively and a single randomized control trial suggests that the clinical success rate for both treatment modalities is similar long term. There is a need for more well-designed trials by different research groups to develop a stronger evidence base in this area.

    REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database (CRD42021259744).

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